Tampa, FL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Tampa, FL

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Tampa is 6.6% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Tampa, there were 1938 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 497 per 100,000 individuals, 34.3% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 6530 property crimes, amounting to 1674 per 100,000 residents, 14.4% lower than the U.S. average.

When assessing the overall crime rate in Tampa per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes, underscores the close alignment of reported Tampa crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.

Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Tampa is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 43 murders in Tampa, which equates to 11 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Tampa being a very dangerous place to live.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Tampa?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Tampa residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 130 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 48% of Tampa residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 52% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Tampa a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Tampa a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Tampa crime rate is 7% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 23.2 crimes per day - 5.31 violent crimes and 17.89 property crimes.

Has Crime in Tampa Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Tampa. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Tampa has increased by 10.3%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 8.5%, while property crime has increased by 17.4%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Tampa.

Tampa Neighborhood Crime Rates

Typically, densely populated areas in close proximity to the city center tend to experience higher crime rates compared to neighborhoods that are situated on the city's periphery. Tampa, an expansive urban metropolis, has more than 72 distinct neighborhoods, each bearing its unique crime rate characteristics. The prevalence of criminal activity varies significantly among these neighborhoods. Noteworthy among safest neighborhoods in Tampa are areas such as Beach Park, New Tampa and Hunters Green, which provide residents with enhanced security and peace of mind. Conversely, neighborhoods like Historic Ybor, Drew Park and East Ybor are marked by a higher incidence of reported crimes, warranting prudent consideration for those seeking to avoid areas with potentially elevated safety concerns.

Potential Causes for Crime in Tampa

High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Tampa crime rates. The population density in Tampa is 3472.4 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Tampa, 82.9% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.

The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Tampa, there are 3.49 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.

Tampa crime map